Weeds can invade and destroy crops via BIA

Weeds can invade and destroy crops via BIA

Floriculture Hub Has No Plant Quarantine Station

Dipannita Das | TNN


Bangalore: Despite Bangalore being a flourishing floriculture hub, alarmingly there is no plant quarantine station at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA).
The rule book mandates an international airport cannot open without a quarantine station for plants. It should be there at all entry and exit points, which otherwise could become an easy route to bring in unwanted goods. Sadly, the law is only on paper. The Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage of the agriculture ministry, which is the apex body for implementation of these regulations, operates through quarantine stations in different parts of the country. These are entry and exit points — airports, seaports and land crossings.
No checks at BIA
This is shocking as Bangalore is an international hub for cultivation and export of cut flowers and roses. At BIA, there’s no check on plants, seeds, etc, brought in bulk by private companies or individuals from other countries. Also, there’s no high-grade scanner to check organic matter.
The head of plant quarantine, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, R K Khetarpal told TOI that over the years during quarantine processing, many pests have been intercepted in imported bulk consignments for research purposes. Plant pests and diseases are major contributors to biotic stresses that result in about 25% annual loss of crop produce in India.
National loss
In India, introduced parthenium causes yield losses up to 40% in crops. It affects animal husbandry, human health and biodiversity too. “It highlights the need to strengthen the biosecurity system,” says Khetarpal. Plant quarantine is significant in view of WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement. A BIA spokesperson confirmed via email that it does not have a quarantine station, but plans to set one up.
Pest risk analysis
Regulatory measures are operative through the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. Its purpose is to prevent introduction of insects, fungi or other pests which may damage crops. Pest risk analysis is now mandatory for all plants or plant material prior to import to India as per Plant Quarantine Order, 2003.
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